After a turbulent summer in which the Hull City squad has undergone a major overhaul, Slutsky has been working hard to build a squad capable of winning promotion back to the Premier League.

After five pre-season games, Slutsky has had time to fully assess his side, and the head coach insists the Tigers are ready admitting he knows the side that will start at Villa Park.

“We don’t have any news about injured players it is the same situation,” Slutsky revealed in his first pre-match press conference as head coach of the Tigers. “Only Keane, Mason, Odubajo. I think Marshall will be ready in two weeks. All other players will be ready to play.

“I have made my decision about starting XI, we will have a meeting to tell them today, after that I will talk about tactics.”

Read More

However, the head coach doubts any players will be brought in before kick-off at Villa.

“I think no, for me it’s better to talk about the players we have,” Slutsky added. “I like our players, I like the team and I am very happy working with the players we have. Really we have a good squad, a good starting XI, a lot of leaders and now for me better speaking about players who will play tomorrow.